Miss Maria keeping it real

I keep it real   by using grass fed products as much as possible.  They contribute to the sustainability and overall health of the environment. 🐄🐮🤠 When cows are grass fed , they are consuming a diet that was made for their body to handle.  The cows who are grass fed are leaner, are in better health, are eating something that is all natural (in it's natural state)  and rich in nutrients (grass), and finally......they produce a superior product that we eventually will consume.  👫🍽 You really are what you eat.  🐮🤠 Not only are grass fed products superior in quality, they are superior in taste! If you have never had a grass fed burger 🍔, I highly recommend you go out there and try one!  There is such a difference in flavor.  You really taste the juiciness and freshness of the beef and there is an overall richness to the beef but surprisingly with less fat.  Not only do I enjoy grass fed beef, I have also converted to grass fed ...

IT MAY STILL FEEL LIKE SUMMER BUT FALL IS FAST APPROACHING 🍂..... not soon enough for me though 😉 That means that Apple Hill is open and has such great farm fresh local produce hand picked every day 🍎🍏🍑🍐🍉🍯 They don't have just apples (but they obviously have the best varieties around..... gingergold is my favorite), they also have fresh peaches, pears, berries, figs, and watermelon 😊 On my most recent trip on a Friday afternoon (which I highly recommend going on a weekday if at all possible to beat the crowds), I had a fabulous time surrounded by the natural beauty of all the orchards and ranches. 🌳 I got to sample several different products, enjoyed some there such as: apple wine🍷 ( an absolute must for this devoted wine drinker), apple donut 🍩holes (new this year....the perfect little bite....actually not so little) 😜, and spiced diced apples 🍎 to dip my donut holes in.....yummm 😊 We also brought home my favorite gingergold apples 🍏, fresh watermelon, fres...

Our featured flavor of the day today is:  CHILI MANGO  Perfect since it's PEPPER SEASON! 🌶 You may not have known but peppers have many health benefits that may surprise you: They contain a compound called capsaicin that helps aid in the digestive irritants such as ulcers.  Sounds funny ha?  A pepper that is HOT can help soothe irritating areas?  Crazy...but true. This capsaicin can also help to relieve pain since it's a natural pain reliever.   Capsaicin is also an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory which helps protect against many diseases and ailments. Peppers also help to increase metabolism by increasing processes in our body that generate heat which speeds up energy which helps burn calories. 2 flavors that are classic together are Chili and Mango.  They have been paired together for years especially in Latin Cuisine.  The sweet, salty, and spicy combo hits different parts of your palate at the same time.  It's a class...

TODAY'S FEATURED FLAVOR OF THE DAY IS OUR VERY POPULAR: GINGER PEACH 🍑 Peaches are at their highest peak right now and can be found just about everywhere. There is an abundance of varieties at Farmers Markets ranging from white peaches to donut peaches (they look like donuts....my son Alec's favorite), to El Dorado yellow peaches, to large reddish yellow peaches such as O'Henry Peaches are so sweet and juicy right now so my suggestion is to buy as many as you can afford now, use and/or eat what you can and freeze the rest for months later in the year when these sweet beauties aren't available.  Miss Maria keeps it real  by using these delectable fruits in the summer months in my GINGER PEACH bread. This is one of our most popular quick breads and I usually sell out whenever I have them for sale at an event:   A Summer time treat featuring seasonal fresh, ripe peaches and ground ginger with a hint of cinnamon.......Miss. Maria recommends enjoying this brea...

No need to buy store bought potato chips ever again 🥔 It is so easy and cheap to make your own! Whether you shop at a Farmers Market   (my preference ) or get your potatoes at a grocery store, you are paying so much LESS per pound than buying potato chips pre made in a bag......you are paying for convenience....yes.....but also......fat, LOADS OF salt, preservatives, and chemicals 😝 I keep it real   by controlling the ingredients and what I'm putting into my mouth and body. I buy my potatoes at the local Farmers Market ......honestly, if you have never had a potato fresh from the farm, you MUST!  The taste is SO much better and the end result comes out with so much more flavor than buying at the grocery store!  🍠 I can't stress enough how much more superior the quality of produce and other products you can get at the Farmers Markets 🐔🥚🍎🍒 I clean the potatoes, slice them, and saute with a little oil (flavored is my favorite) and butter (preferably f...

My featured flavor of the day is: TOMATO BASIL ARTISAN BREAD🍅🌿 If you go to any Farmers Market, it will be clear to you that it is definitely TOMATO season 🍅 There is an abundance of different varieties, colors, shapes, and sizes all over the area ready to bought and eaten Tomatoes are their juiciest and sweetest right now which is the best time to enjoy them! I keep it real  by pairing the tomatoes with fresh basil 🌿 which is also in season right now. They are also available in many different varieties and colors ranging from sweet to mild to citrusy to bolder stronger flavors 🍋🍀 Summer time is one of my favorite times to visit Farmers Markets.  The colors you see are so beautiful and bright and in abundance.  It's Food Art 😋 My Tomato Basil Artisan Bread  is a top seller right now for it's fresh, bright, and complimentary flavors:  A great Summertime pick featuring fresh oven roasted tomatoes prepared in our home kitchen and hand picked bas...

Raspberry Lemon is my featured seasonal flavor of the day 🍋 I like to cook/bake in season .  You get the most out of your produce because they are at their peak and are the best quality and have the best flavor! Today, I am talking about raspberries and lemons: a beautiful partnership 😉 Here are some benefits of raspberries : They are a good source of Vitamin C ( antioxidant )  and fiber 1 cup has only 62 calories They also come in a variety of colors which you are more likely to see at Farmers Markets Here are some benefits of lemons : They are also a good source of Vitamin C ( antioxidant ) and fiber ( so pairing these 2 fruits together maximizes their benefits ) They are a citrus fruit so they contain citric acid which helps to prevent kidney stones There are different varieties ranging from sweet ( meyer lemons ) to sour  Raspberries and lemons together produce a nice balance between sweet and tart and offer you lots of vitamins and ant...

My favorite time of year.....FIG Season 🌳 Figs are more than just Newtons.  If you've never had a fresh fig, you don't know what you are missing? They are soft, sweet, melts in your mouth, and perfect to enjoy this time of year.  They should be enjoyed quickly after picking or buying since they have a short shelf life.  You can also freeze them if you have more than you can eat in a few days.  There are many different varieties ranging in green to dark purple color and very sweet to a mild, floral flavor.  Figs are at their peak during a pretty short window: July-October Figs can be enjoyed eaten just as they are in all their glory right off the tree (MY FAVORITE WAY).   You can grill them and top with honey and feta cheese for a more elegant but super easy snack 🍯 You can also make fig jam (I use my slow cooker for this) and spread on toasted bread like my: FIG BALSAMIC ARTISAN BREAD   You can also add fresh figs into any baked di...

Making your own own food is not as hard or time consuming as people may think 🏡  It just takes some organization and planning on your part.  What I love about "making your own" is that you control the quality of ingredients and you can make a healthier version of just about anything. Just last night, I made homemade tomato sauce to top our pasta with.  🍅 It was so easy, flavorful, and was ready as soon as the pasta was.  All you need are: ripe tomatoes (I oven roast them first) in season (if not tomato season, canned tomatoes with no high fructose corn syrup will be fine), herbs (any you like), wine (whatever you drink.....the flavor of the wine will come out in the sauce so make sure it's one you like), salt , pepper , garlic , and a drizzle of good olive oil .....In another post, I'll share how I make flavored olive oils and/or my favorite spots to buy really good ones. Here are some of my other favorite things that I prefer to "home make" ...

I think it's important to promote local businesses who practice sustainability 🌿🏡 Today, it just so happens that I am going to promote my own:  Garcia Bread Co. I have been preaching here for a while now the importance of sustainability and am also practicing what I preach This is how Garcia Bread Co. is keeping it real : All of my bread products have a minimal ingredient list in which you can pronounce and should be familiar with.  There are no preservatives or chemicals or anything unidentifiable in any of our products. I either grow myself , know someone personally who is local who grows , or shop at local farmers markets for many of my ingredients.  If I am not able to do that for all ingredients, I buy either organic, grass fed, local , or all natural ingredients so you can be sure that my breads are sustainable . All breads are made by me personally in my home kitchen where I ensure the highest quality measures are going into each and every lo...

I think I've mentioned this once or twice 😉 Support local businesses like farmers, growers, and vendors at your local farmers market.....keep cash flow within our local community and help our local economy to thrive 💸 By buying your food from local farmers markets , you are guaranteeing that 90% of every dollar is going back to the local farmer unlike big grocery stores where less than half goes back to the farmer.  The great thing about farmers markets also is that you can sample many different varieties of what they are selling so you can taste what you are buying before you actually buy it.  There is usually no middle man, it's direct sales from farmer to customer, so you're guaranteed the best price for the quality you're getting! 🍑🍓🌿🍅 Farmers are also happy to share with you what to make or how to cook the product they are selling.  So.....not only are you getting a quality product that is local and fresh and maybe new to you, you are getting ideas fr...

AS I PROMISED, THE PERFECT COMPLIMENT TO DARK CHOCOLATE.....RED WINE OF COURSE 🍷 Red wine has many benefits and the first one is.....it pairs perfectly with dark chocolate.....these 2 together is my favorite indulgence! 🍷🍫  Several nights a week, I wind down with this pairing Here are some of the other benefits to my beverage of choice:   It contains a high amount of antioxidants just like dark chocolate.....no wonder they pair well together 😉 It increases cardiovascular health by improving blood flow throughout body which helps reduce heart disease  Just like it's best friend dark chocolate, it reduces bad cholesterol and helps raise good cholesterol 👏 These are just some of the main benefits of this wonder drink.  🍇 Red Wine and Dark Chocolate..... it's what's for dessert tonight.  The darker the chocolate , the more   full bodied the red wine is my preference.  Try different types and find yours......Cheers 🥂   ...

What is your indulgence?  What is something you just can't live without? Mine.....rich, dark chocolate ....the darker the better......and the more unique the flavor, the better!🍫 Real dark  (70%-85% has the most benefits) chocolate is actually a good food for your body.  It's loaded with antioxidants (one of the highest amounts among foods) since it's high in antioxidants, it can help to lower bad cholesterol which helps to lower the risk of heart disease the higher the cocoa content, the higher the vitamins and minerals the higher the cocoa content, the less sugar it contains Dark chocolate still does have fat and calories so you should enjoy it sparingly but it's one indulgence you can feel good about!! 🙌 I try to find dark chocolate that is organic to ensure sustainability and fairly traded to help support the farm workers in other countries that are receiving fair wages and are working in a safe environment.  Check out my next blog for the benefit...

Mornings can get really busy especially during this "Back to School" season Not everyone has time to cook and eat a healthy breakfast so this idea is a great solution for keeping it real :  Homemade overnight oats This is such a delicious and refreshing breakfast to eat especially when it's still hot outside. Get the best oats you can find:  I love this organic blend of oats, grains, and seeds.  It is a tasty blend with great texture.   I also use powdered peanuts : peanuts that have been pressed to extract most of the oil and you are left with a powder.....all it is basically ground peanuts minus their oil.... .half the calories of fresh peanuts Use any fresh fruit that is in season Add any kind of milk or nut milk you prefer  This is my favorite o vernight oat  recipe: PB & J Overnight Oats: 1/3 cup oats  1 tbsp powdered peanuts 1-2 thinly sliced strawberries 1/2 cup any milk you like 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips 1/4 ts...

THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABILITY:   To protect the environment and all who dwell in it and preserve Earth's natural resources How can we, as consumers, contribute to sustainability??   The easiest way for the community to contribute is to support our local farmers.  What does this mean?   Very simply, buy as much food as you can from local farmers.  You can find them easily at local farmers markets.  The importance of keeping it real  and local is that the food you consume from these farmers are grown in close proximity to where they are being sold so it doesn't have to travel a long distance to get to you which can compromise the quality of the product.  Most likely, the farmers are growing, tending to, harvesting, and selling their products directly to the consumer so products are high quality and prices are kept lower since the "middle man" is eliminated.  By supporting our local farmers, we are also contributing to the econ...

If after reading all my posts, you see the importance of sustainable living but not sure how to really get started, I have the answer for you.  It's how I got started. Head on to your local library or bookstore or amazon and check out these 2 books.  Michael Pollan's Omnivore's Dilemma:  Michael is a professor at Berkeley and author of several amazing books discussing the importance of "eating real foods, mostly plants" and how to do it.  This book takes you on his journey of how he was able to achieve this and create one fantastic, completely sustainable meal.  🍲  🌿 Joel Salatin's The Sheer Ecstasy of being a Lunatic Farmer: Joel is a completely sustainable farmer and shares with you fascinating insights on the difference between industrial and sustainable farming and how he easily achieves it.  🐖 🐄 🐔 These 2 books peaked my interest and got me to look further into the sustainable world and how I could incorporate it into my humble life......

Have you ever tried eggs straight from the chicken....directly from the source before being processed? Chances are many of you haven't.  And that's ok. I hadn't until I became a Sustainable Ag major and became very interested in where my food comes from and how my food is grown or taken care of.  I challenge you, if you are someone who hasn't tried a farm fresh egg....to keep it real and try it.....I guarantee you....you will taste the difference!  🥚 Farm fresh eggs are creamier and taste richer and fresher than anything you can get in the grocery store. If you don't have a chicken in your backyard or don't have access to a farmers market that sells farm fresh eggs, your next best bet is to buy organic cage free eggs.  This means that the chickens are free to roam around and not be stuck in close quarters with other chickens exposing them to more chances of infection and less exercise.  The way the chickens (or any animal for that matter) are raised pr...

IT'S PIZZA NIGHT!! 🙌 Who doesn't love pizza night?  We have pizza night at the "Casa Garcia" quite often 🍕 The way the Garcias keep pizza night real is by keeping it homemade  🏡 starting with the dough. I have a really easy pizza dough recipe with just a few ingredients: flour, yeast, salt, sugar, oil....and while shaping the dough, I add chopped up fresh herbs all throughout making the dough and herb dough for much added freshness and flavor 🌿 At the Garcia house, we prefer white sauce over red sauce which I also make myself.  I have a very easy method to making my own white sauce which involves real whipped cream cheese, fresh parmesan cheese, garlic, and a little milk. 🥛🧀 We top our pizza with a variety of toppings....sometimes we get real creative: lots of fresh veggies, crumbled blue cheese, and caramelized onions 🍄  Other times, we go real simple: fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced ham or prosciutto, and a drizzle of smoked olive oil ...